England suffer setback as Jonny May tests positive for Covid-19
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Jonny May of England dives over Luca Sperandio of Italy to score their side's third try during the Guinness Six Nations match between England and Italy at Twickenham Stadium on February 13, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
England have suffered a setback upon arriving in Australia for their three-Test tour after winger Jonny May tested positive for Covid-19.
The Gloucester flyer will spend seven days in self-isolation as required by government regulations, placing his involvement in the opening Test in Perth on Saturday week in major doubt.
England reported that no other player had returned positive tests.
May, 32, could still be available for the opening Test against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday, 2 July.
“Potentially he’ll be available next Thursday to train, so we’ll have a look to see what he’s like,” head coach Eddie Jones said in reference to May’s availability for the series opener.
“He’s experienced and he’s showed in his first game back against the Barbarians that he’s lacking game time and that he’s got his best rugby ahead of him.
“We’ll just monitor his situation and make an assessment closer to the day when he gets out.”
May underwent knee surgery in January and marked his return to England’s starting line-up with a try against the Barbarians on Saturday.
With 35 tries, he is England’s second highest try-scorer behind Rory Underwood.
The opening match against the Wallabies is followed by fixtures in Brisbane on 9 July and Sydney a week later.
